Mission
The mission of the Northwest Roller Skating Foundation is "to foster the sport of competitive amateur roller skating in the Northwest Region" (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, Hawaii, Utah).

Background
Organized competitive Roller Sports has existed since the 1920's and is currently governed by U. S. A. Roller Sports. This organization is the officially recognized by the International governing body and by the United States Olympic Committee.

Our sport has approximately 4,500 amateur athletes throughout the United States. There are local, regional and national competitions to improve their skills. These competitions help foster health, values of sportsmanship, and behaviors that enhance success in adult life. The Northwest Region has approximately 500 skaters who compete annually. The Northwest Region currently has 5 skaters who have qualified to compete in International World Competitions. The USA governing body does not pay for the international travel of the athletes that qualify to compete at a World Meet.

There are three types of Roller Sports.
Roller Hockey is played with both puck and ball. The rules are similar to those of Ice Hockey and Field Hockey. The USA team is currently the World Champions in Puck Hockey and ranked 6th in Ball Hockey. Ball Hockey is extremely popular and visible in other countries.

Roller Speed has several elements for its participants. There are indoor races similar to short track speed as seen in Ice Speed events. There are road races on prescribed tracks throughout host cities and there is a marathon event. The US is currently ranked 6th in the World but has the current marathon champion. Former US speed champions have moved to Ice Speed to seek training funds. These include Olympians Derek Parra, Jennifer Rodriguez, Apollo Ohno, and Chad Hendrick.

Artistic Skating is similar to Ice Figure Skating. The rules and events are similar with Dance, Figures, Free Skating, Pairs and Precision Teams. The US is currently ranked 4th in World competition.

Roller Skating Sports reflects the diversity of the USA. Approximately 8% of the registered amateurs are African American and 9% Asian. Hispanic Americans are approximately 20% of registered amateurs. There are events for all age divisions from 5 years of age through older adults in their 60's and 70's. Approximately 38% of all skaters are above the age of 25. Sixty percent of skaters are female. Economically, Roller Skaters are live in households with an average household income of $41,000 - $60,000 with an average family size of 5. The costs of competitive skating can total $3,500 a year (includes instruction approximately $40/hr, club dues $40/mo, Equipment $500/yr and travel to competitions $1000/yr). It is obvious that participation is a challenge with the expenses of normal household of 5 people and the other family expenses.

We are seeking the support of persons who may be interested in competitive sports and the families that help make the skaters participation a reality.

We welcome you to join us in sharing our commitment to the future of our sport.